Letter of Recommendation | Elko County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Aitor Narvaiza | November 25, 2025
Challis B. David
Spring Creek
Summary
Dynamic oilfield professional with extensive background in managing drilling fluid systems and ensuring optimal performance. Extensive experience in maintaining and calibrating solids control equipment, contributing to efficient drilling operations. Demonstrated proficiency in troubleshooting mechanical issues and working collaboratively with team members. Recognized for integrity, rapid learning ability, and leadership. Seeking to advance into Mud Engineering to expand expertise in drilling fluid systems and operational excellence and safety.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Owner / Operator
Silver State Sage and Stain, LLC
06.2024 - Current
Founded and manage a full-service handyman business, overseeing daily operations and coordinating multiple projects simultaneously across residential and commercial clients in the fourth largest county in the United States.
Manage day-to-day operations, ensuring efficient workflow and work product.
Develop and implement marketing strategies to enhance brand visibility and customer engagement.
Develop and maintain detailed project schedules, ensuring timely completion while efficiently allocating resources across multiple concurrent projects.
Supervise, mentor, and train employees, promoting high-quality workmanship, safety compliance, and professional standards.
Manage all administrative and operational functions, including insurance, liability documentation, invoicing, customer quotes, project budgets, and material inventory.
Provide services to prominent real estate agents, landlords, property buyers/sellers, business owners, and chain restaurants, ensuring professional, high-standard results.
Cultivate strong client relationships, ensuring customer satisfaction, repeat business, and referrals through attention to detail, clear communication, and reliability.
Implement business development strategies to expand services, improve operational efficiency, and increase overall profitability.
Solids Control Technician
Clear Water Products
02.2025 - Current
Operate and maintain solids control equipment, including centrifuges and shakers, to ensure high-quality drilling fluid return.
Supervise rig operations related to solids control, training new personnel on fluid handling and equipment safety.
Assist with chemical makeup and fluid transfers to optimize rheology and viscosity for drilling operations.
Oversee salt water de-watering procedures, ensuring proper handling, compliance, and safety protocols.
Maintain a clean, organized, and OSHA-compliant work environment.
Solids Control Technician
DCT Energy
10.2021 - 02.2025
Managed centrifuge and shaker operations to maintain drilling fluid quality under high-demand drilling schedules.
Trained and mentored new crew members on proper solids control procedures, safety, and equipment operation.
Executed chemical makeup and fluid transfers to maintain optimal drilling fluid properties.
Performed catastrophic failure repairs on solids control equipment to minimize downtime and ensure operational continuity.
Maintained OSHA compliance and adherence to safety protocols across all rig operations.
Floor Hand / Solids Control Technician
Cyclone Drilling
05.2017 - 10.2021
Operated and maintained drilling fluid equipment, including shakers and centrifuges, to ensure efficient solids removal and fluid quality.
Assisted Derrickhand with monitoring mud properties, troubleshooting equipment issues, and supporting overall rig operations.
Supported training of new personnel on solids control operations and safety procedures.
Certified in Manlift and Forklift operations, adhering to all safety and environmental regulations.
Identified and implemented operational improvements to optimize equipment performance.
Active Duty and National Guard – Mechanic
U.S. Army
03.2010 - 08.2017
Supervised shop operations and 85+ tracked vehicles; led team of mechanics in maintenance and repair.
Managed inventory, parts procurement, and operational logistics while maintaining compliance with military regulations.
Developed leadership, problem-solving, and strategic planning skills in high-pressure environments.
Field Service Technician
Exterran Energy Solutions
04.2014 - 05.2017
Led catastrophic repair and rebuild of natural gas compressor systems, demonstrating mechanical expertise and troubleshooting skills.
Commissioned engines and after-market components, ensuring operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.
Completed advanced training on natural gas compressors and engines; maintained OSHA, H2S, and HAZMAT certifications.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Chabot College
Hayward, CA
01.2015
Advanced Diesel Technology - undefined
Wyoming Technical Institute
Laramie, WY
01.2014
High School Diploma - undefined
Pinedale High School
Pinedale, WY
01.2009
Skills
Drilling Fluid Management & Solids Control
Mud Testing Analysis
Shaker, Centrifuge, Heavy Equipment, & Mud Equipment Operations
Chemical Additive Knowledge
Mechanical Systems Troubleshooting & Maintenance
Rig Safety, OSHA, H2S, MSHA, & HAZMAT Compliance
Flow & Pressure Systems Expertise
Team Leadership & Collaboration
Data Interpretation/Recording, Troubleshooting Reporting & Analysis
Report and Logistics Generation & Documentation
Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Skype, Outlook, Zoom, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, & Multiple Invoicing and Inventory Programs/Applications
Business & Project Management
Employee Training & Supervision
Accomplishments
Letter of Recommendation - Elko County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Aitor Narvaiza, November 25, 2025
Citizen's Letter of Recognition - Elko Police Department, Police Chief Ty Trouten, March 24, 2025
Plaque of Appreciation - Elko Police Department, Elko Police Officers Protective Association, Gratitude for Service as a Citizen
Certification
OSHA, H2S, HAZMAT Certified
Forklift & Manlift Certified
DEQ Air Quality Compliance Training
BLM & Reservation Regulations Training
Timeline
Solids Control Technician
Clear Water Products
02.2025 - Current
Owner / Operator
Silver State Sage and Stain, LLC
06.2024 - Current
Solids Control Technician
DCT Energy
10.2021 - 02.2025
Floor Hand / Solids Control Technician
Cyclone Drilling
05.2017 - 10.2021
Field Service Technician
Exterran Energy Solutions
04.2014 - 05.2017
Active Duty and National Guard – Mechanic
U.S. Army
03.2010 - 08.2017
Advanced Diesel Technology - undefined
Wyoming Technical Institute
High School Diploma - undefined
Pinedale High School
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Chabot College
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
Citizen's Letter of Recognition - Elko Police Department, Police Chief Ty Trouten, Mar 24, 2025, Plaque of Appreciation - Elko Police Officers Protective Association, gratitude for service as a citizen, Letter of Recommendation - Elko County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Aitor Narvaiza, Nov 25, 2025
Letter of Recommendation | Elko County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Aitor Narvaiza | November 25, 2025
Strong mechanical aptitude with a solid understanding of drilling fluids, solids control processes, and rig operations.
Known for reliability, professionalism, and the ability to perform safely and efficiently in demanding environments.
Actively expanding knowledge in mud engineering, including fluid testing, chemistry, and drilling optimization.
Excellent communication and teamwork skills; experienced collaborating with mud engineers, drillers, and rig crews.
Up-to-date on essential oilfield safety certifications and committed to maintaining a strong safety culture.